§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue guidance for doctors on the maximum length of time patients should be allowed to take SSRI anti-depressant drugs; and if he will make a statement. [21881]
§ Mr. MilburnGuidance is available in the British National Formulary, which is issued twice a year, the Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin and the Medicines Resources Centre Bulletin, which are all issued free of charge to doctors. Copies of all the publications are available in the Library.
§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what has been the cost to the NHS of anti-depressants prescribed in each of the last four years; and what proportion of this was attributable to SSRIs; [21879]
(2) how many anti-depressants have been prescribed by community pharmacists in England in each of the last four years; and what proportion of these were SSRIs. [21880]
§ Mr. MilburnPharmacists do not prescribe any medication on National Health Service prescription forms. The information on prescriptions written by doctors is shown in the table.
Mr. Graham has already served one four year term as chair of the trust. He is retired, having previously been managing director of Sunderland and South Shields Water Company. He lives in Sunderland.
Mrs. Ailsa Martin—Non-Executive Director
Mrs. Martin is currently co-ordinator of the Sunderland Carers Centre. She has had no previous service on National Health Service boards and lives in Washington.
Professor Jeffrey Brown—Non-executive Director
A pharmacist by profession, Professor Brown has had no previous service on NHS boards. He is currently Deputy Chief Executive and Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Sunderland and lives in Sunderland.
Mr. Graham Morris—Non-Executive Director
Mr. Morris was employed as a Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer from 1980 to 1987. He has had no previous service on NHS boards. He is currently employed as a research assistant and constituency agent for a Member of Parliament. He lives in Seaham.
535WThe posts attract payment of £19,285 per annum for the chairman and £5,000 for the non-executives. All the appointments are for four years. The two remaining vacancies will be filled as soon as possible.